The Chichibu Kegon Falls is a popular spot with professional and amateur photographers, particularly in Autumn. This is because the waterfall is framed by maple leaves. Around mid November the leaves change to tones of orange and red. The waterfall is also a popular destination for “new green” in summer. Furthermore, there are fireflies in the area in June. In both seasons, they light up the falls for about eight days each time.
Chichibu Kegon Falls
Recognize the name Kegon Falls? There is a very famous waterfall in Nikko, Tochigi, called Kegon Falls. This waterfall in the Minano area of Chichibu is named after it as reportedly it bears a resemblance. The fall is approximately twelve meters long and it flows over a (geological) mélange of the Chichibu chert.
Light up
Summer 2026
The falls are lit up each year around the end of June and there are colorful lanterns for additional light too. In addition, this year they are also lighting up the nearby Kamihinozawa firefly square, where you can usually see fireflies at this time of year. This year, 2026, it will be a week earlier than normal, from Saturday June 20th to Sunday June 28th. The light up hours this year are from 7 pm to 9 pm. During the period of the light up they have special events. For example, for a fee you can take a guided tour into the basin of the waterfall, which normally isn’t allowed.
In addition, there is usually a Kagura type performance on the last Saturday from 6.30 pm. However, uncharacteristically, that is currently not scheduled for 2026. There is also currently no information for the food trucks in the vicinity of Kamihinozawa. Last check June 18th 2026!
⚠Please note: they don’t light up the falls / firefly area when its raining.
Autumn
Each year in Autumn, usually mid November, the falls are lit up at night. This year, that will be from Saturday November 16th to Sunday November 24th, from 5 pm to 8 pm. In addition they will have special events on November 23rd 2024. The Kagura of Hinozawa Grand Shrine, an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Minano, is performed at the falls from 6 pm. They will have a food stall from 5 pm on that day. Official event page.
Make a weekend of it?
Chichibu Kegon Falls are about a 15 minute drive from Water Park Nagatoro, which is actually also in Minano not Nagatoro! Water Park Nagatoro has camping and cabins for hire all year round. Nagatoro is actually only about a 20 minute drive from the falls.
In Autumn, there is also an Autumn leaf festival in Nagatoro. Furthermore, there is light up in select locations in Nagatoro too. In addition, you can take a sunset ropeway. Moreover, November is the best month to take the Line Kudari boat ride through the Nagatoro valley.
Information
Event: Chichibu Kegon Falls Light up 秩父華厳の滝ライトアップ
Dates: Summer: from Saturday June 20th to Sunday June 28th 2026, weather permitting. Autumn 2026 dates not yet available.
Time: from 7 pm to 9 pm in summer and from 5 pm to 8 pm in Autumn.
Admission: free, unless you are taking a guided tour into the basin.
Venue: Chichibu Kegon Falls, 秩父華厳の滝 Shimohinozawa, Minano, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1625. View on Google Maps.
Access
You can get a bus from the Chichibu Railway Minano Station, bound for Nishiatsuzawa. Alight at Chichibu Kegon-mae 秩父華厳前. The falls are about a five minute walk from the bus stop. If you come by car, there is free parking close to the falls, along route 284 by Hinosawa River. There are public toilets in the parking lot.
Official Summer Event web page | Official Autumn event web page
Republish: 20221111